Value For Money

Guest's review of The Wizard Of Oz, The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays

Good Points
not a panto in the traditional sense, just a great re-telling of the classic which is what we wanted to see, great sets, great characterisations, great munchkins (lollipop guild Rock), great costumes.

Bad Points
not enough echo on the wizard machine, missed the drama.backing tracks a bit too wurlitzer for me sounded cheap in places. but didn't spoil the show.

General CommentsThe Wizard Of Oz is a mission technically and hats off to the crew first off who pull that together - almost every cutaway shot was realised - on stage! that's amazing in itself.

I loved the black and white set and costumes at the begining/end, the Oz reveal became oh so more colourful.

I loved the fact that it wasn't a he's behind you show, but also loved the fact that kids shouted it anyway, lots of hand clapping, singing and booing. Well it is xmas. The cast don't react to the audience in that sense, so if that's what your looking for, head down to town for peter pan. If you want to recapture the magic that is Oz, then this is a must see show. I'm 39 and i can tell you there was a lump in my throat at the end.

The dancers were good, tight and full of energy. Well done the tree girls ! Flying monkies, flying witches, flying glinda, smoke explosions and fireballs flying through the air ! what's not too like, it's what you expected and this cast delivered.

Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland) was amazing, her Gulch was so spot on it was a bit spooky, and as for the witch - you have to see for yourself just how good she does that.

Scarecrow did very well, his voice, inflection was again spot on, same with tin man, and lion, oh the lion, big shoes to fill those, but i loved what he did with it, some of the delivery was just perfect, King of the Forest, great.

I could go on, but think i've done plenty here, this is a true faithful version of the film, and for me it should always be done like that. there are just some stories that should'nt be panto'd this is one of them. Cast, crew and production team, well done. I've already re-booked for a fortnights time. Well done to all. And TOTO too cute - yes a real TOTO !